Try This Hearty Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake Recipe Tonight

Crafting a mouthwatering beef and cheese tortellini bake brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers rejoice with this simple yet satisfying meal that combines hearty ingredients.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over tender tortellini and seasoned ground beef.

Rich flavors merge seamlessly in this one-pan wonder that promises minimal cleanup.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers deliciousness without complicated steps.

Layers of pasta, meat, and cheese promise a crowd-pleasing experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Instructions For Beef And Cheese Tortellini Bake: A Hearty, Cheesy Family Favorite

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Wrap the cooled bake in freezer-safe wrap or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the dish with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.

FAQs On Beef And Cheese Tortellini Bake: A Hearty, Cheesy Family Favorite

• Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook them according to package instructions before mixing with the meat sauce, and ensure they’re fully thawed and drained.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content provides the best flavor and texture for this dish. Avoid extremely lean beef as it can become dry.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Beef And Cheese Tortellini Bake: A Hearty, Cheesy Family Favorite Is A Must-Try

• Craft a Comfort Meal: Dive into a delightful dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table, perfect for satisfying hungry appetites.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that impresses everyone.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing dinner that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with cheesy goodness and hearty flavors that everyone will love.
• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience with a recipe that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making mealtime a breeze for busy home cooks.

Ingredients For Beef And Cheese Tortellini Bake: A Hearty, Cheesy Family Favorite

• Ground Beef: A savory protein that adds richness and depth to the dish.

• Cheese Tortellini: Delicate pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese that serve as the main carbohydrate base.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and smooth base for the sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor foundation for the sauce.

• Dried Oregano, Thyme, Parsley: Classic herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, fresh note to the finished sauce.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, stretchy topping.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the beef and vegetables.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

How To Make Beef And Cheese Tortellini Bake: A Hearty, Cheesy Family Favorite

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and warm up olive oil over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and break it into delectable crumbles while seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until beautifully browned.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Introduce chopped onions and minced garlic to the sizzling beef. Let them dance together until onions become translucent and garlic releases its magical fragrance.

Step 4: Herb and Spice Magic

• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Dried parsley

Stir and let them mingle for 1-2 minutes, creating an incredible aroma.

Step 5: Tomato Sauce Transformation

Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir thoroughly. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop depth.

Step 6: Fresh Herb Finale

Toss in sliced fresh basil, then remove skillet from heat to preserve its vibrant flavor.

Step 7: Tortellini Tango

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked tortellini with meat sauce. Ensure every pasta pocket gets cozy with the sauce.

Step 8: Cheesy Crown

Transfer the tortellini mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Pull out the baking dish and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and watch smiles spread around the table.

Top Tips For Beef And Cheese Tortellini Bake: A Hearty, Cheesy Family Favorite

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, lighter dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier alternative suitable for different dietary preferences.
• Allow tortellini to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning and help sauce set properly.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavor profile, adding brightness to the rich, cheesy bake.
• Prepare extra sauce and store separately to refresh leftovers without making the pasta soggy.

Creative Twists For Beef And Cheese Tortellini Bake: A Hearty, Cheesy Family Favorite

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace ground beef with a mix of diced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, creating a colorful and nutritious plant-based version.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Add jalapeños, chili powder, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate crumbled feta, spinach, and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired transformation with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Creamy Alfredo Remix: Use a white alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce, mixing in chicken and adding parmesan for a rich, creamy alternative.

Perfect Pairings For Beef And Cheese Tortellini Bake: A Hearty, Cheesy Family Favorite

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich beef and tomato sauce, cutting through the cheese's creaminess with its tannic structure.
• Create Crisp Green Salad Companion: Whip up a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding refreshing acidity and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Serve Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread: Prepare a warm, crusty focaccia with rosemary and olive oil to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast to the soft tortellini.

Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55-62 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef and cheese tortellini bake brings comfort and Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Cheesy layers of tender tortellini and seasoned ground beef create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound cheese tortellini, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 cup fresh basil, sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Aromatics and Sauce:

• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium flame, drizzling olive oil to coat the surface.
2. Crumble ground beef into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until thoroughly browned, breaking meat into small fragments.
3. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Sprinkle dried herbs including oregano, thyme, and parsley into the meat mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and release aromatic oils.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to integrate with meat. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer for 12-15 minutes, developing rich flavor complexity.
6. Fold fresh basil into the sauce, then remove skillet from heat source.
7. Transfer cooked tortellini into a mixing bowl, gradually folding meat sauce to ensure complete pasta coverage.
8. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, carefully spreading tortellini and sauce mixture to create an even layer.
9. Generously scatter mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a complete cheese blanket.
10. Position dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, baking for 22-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
11. Extract from oven and permit 5 minutes resting time before serving to allow sauce and cheese to set.

Notes

• Pasta Selection: Choose fresh or frozen tortellini for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they’re well-drained to prevent a watery dish.
• Meat Matters: Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, or swap with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that still packs plenty of flavor.
• Cheese Flexibility: Mix different cheeses like parmesan or provolone with mozzarella to create a more complex, rich cheese profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready – perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-42 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg